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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Scott Parker has been announced as England captain for Wednesday's international friendly against Holland.
Interim manager Stuart Pearce named England player of the year Parker as captain during a squad meeting earlier this morning.
The news is considered somewhat of a surprise, given Pearce's cagey answers when quizzed about the vacant captain's role, and following his extensive praise of Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, considered by many as the favourite for the position.
During the press conference Pearce confirmed that Gerrard would feature against the World Cup finalists, in the re-arranged friendly.
As reported by the Telegraph yesterday, he said: “I would fully expect Steven to play.
"He has not been on an international football pitch for a long time. It would be folly for a player of his quality not to figure in a game of this magnitude.
"He is as good as it gets in this nation - both what he does on the pitch and how he is around the camp. We are pleased to have him back."
However, it appears as though he has decided that former Chelsea and West Ham star Parker is the right man to lead England out at Wembley. Other candidates for the role included Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart and club team-mate James Milner.
According to the Guardian, Pearce described how important it was to make sure he selected the right man for the role.
"If I feel that in my heart I can't take the decision lightly. I can only view it as I see it. When you play for your country that is the true pinnacle of anyone's career. That is still the case,” he said.
